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John Parrott named director of King County International Airport

King County International Airport-Boeing Field will have new leadership in the New Year. John Parrott, who has four decades of experience in the aviation industry, has been selected as the airport’s next director as part of a highly competitive, nationwide recruiting effort. Parrott will begin his duties on January 14, 2019.

“I’m excited to join the team at King County International Airport,” Parrott said. “The airport is a key driver of economic growth for the region, and I look forward to building on its legacy of success.”

Parrott worked at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in Alaska for nearly 20 years, including nine years as director. Most recently, he managed his own aviation consulting business, facilitating client relationships with local, state, and federal agencies around the country. Before moving to airport management, Parrott was a pilot in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the Air Force Academy, and a master’s degree in education and management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In 2007, he earned his Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) credential from the American Association of Airport Executives.

Currently managed by the King County Department of Transportation, the airport will officially become a division of the county’s Department of Executive Services (DES) on January 1. The reorganization, proposed by County Executive Dow Constantine earlier this year, was approved this fall by the County Council as part of the 2019-2020 budget.

“John brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to King County International Airport,” said Caroline Whalen, DES director and the county’s administrative officer. “He is well-regarded in the aviation community in the Pacific Northwest, and I’m confident he has the vision to lead the airport as we finalize the Master Plan update and set the stage for the future of this strategic county asset.”

King County International Airport-Boeing Field is one of the busiest primary non-hub airports in the United States. Along with its large cargo operation, KCIA serves as the delivery point for all of the Boeing Company’s 737 aircraft. The airport is also home base for about 150 businesses, including flight schools, charter operations, and helicopter services. Tenants at KCIA include hundreds of small aircraft owners. There are an average of 200,000 takeoffs and landings at King County International each year, everything from widebody jets to small private planes. The airport has an annual regional economic impact of more than $5 billion, and directly or indirectly supporting more than 16,000 local jobs.